‘Only if the user complies’: Product care, maintenance and repair in myoelectric upper limb user documents

Abstract Background The maintenance and repair of upper limb prostheses is an under-researched area with little data to support the design of repair and maintenance (RM) services. The very small number of previous studies focus on retrospectively examining quantitative patterns of repair. Although guidance within user manuals is intended to impact on the way someone uses their prosthetic device, no previous studies have explored this aspect. This study analysed documents for myoelectric upper limb prostheses to identify what information manufacturers communicate to users about RM and how this may impact upon behaviour. Methods 36 documents published by manufacturers of myoelectric upper limb prostheses were analysed using qualitative inductive content analysis. Results A wide range of information related to activities, types of damage, maintenance regimes, accessing support and warranty-related consequences are communicated to users. Three underlying themes with potential implications for behaviour were identified: (1) contrasting narratives of device durability and fragility, (2) lifestyle and behavioural adjustments and (3) the manufacturer as the repair authority. Conclusions Users of myoelectric prosthetic limbs face a complex and at times contradictory landscape of RM information. The incentive to comply with these instructions, is that not to do so would invalidate the warranty—this raises ethical concerns related to the psychosocial implications of usage guidelines. Accurate and well evidenced information relating to the risks of damage, expectations of use and care responsibilities, should be provided to users in an accessible format to enable informed selection of appropriate devices, and to better support them in their use of these complex devices. We also suggest that manufacturers should give more consideration to RM during the design process, with a view to minimising device vulnerabilities and making repair processes accessible and transparent.